Laura McCarthy Real Estate

Prime Property

When the real estate market is bustling, all of the factors are
in the seller’s favor. But when sales are down as they have been
lately, there are some great deals to be had for buyers who know
where to look. That’s the case throughout St. Louis right now, and
specifically in Clayton, says Keith Manzer of Laura McCarthy Real
Estate. “It’s a limited opportunity, and a great time to buy in
Clayton,” he says. “People don’t realize how high the prices were
per square foot in some of the condo buildings here; now there are
some really great values.”

Manzer and his partners, mother-and-daughter team Sue and
Katie McLaughlin, will host a grand re-opening of the Clayton Park
Place Condominiums on March 13 from noon to 5 p.m. Two new models
will be shown in the boutique building, owned by Heartland Bank,
with interiors designed by Cindy Saladin of Diane Breckenridge
Interiors. “They’re very elegant,” Manzer says of the suites. “They
turned out beautifully.”

Each luxury condo has a fireplace and outdoor space with a
built-in gas grill, which are unique in the area, as many nearby
buildings ban grilling on balconies, Manzer notes. The first and
second floors have 9-foot ceilings, with 10-foot ceilings on the
upper floors. Other amenities include designer appliances, all-wood
floors and a heated garage. The building includes two- and
three-bedroom suites. “The location and the fact that they’re new
are really the driving factors behind the brisk sales so far,”
Manzer says, adding that interest in the market is shifting toward
small boutique buildings that offer a more intimate setting than
high-rises.

The building has a French deco-inspired exterior and sits
directly across from Shaw Park, which is home to an outdoor aquatic
center, tennis courts, playground, ice rink and more. It is located
at 8251-53 Parkside Drive, just off Forsyth Boulevard in downtown
Clayton.

“People are starting to realize that there is probably not
going to be a lot of new construction for a while in Clayton,
considering the land costs in the area and the economy,” Manzer
says. “It’s an opportunity to buy at a very good price in a down
market. The units have never been lived in, and in many cases the
buyer can choose their own finishes.” Of the 13 suites in the
building, only four remain available, he adds. Prices range from
$849,000 to $1.18 million. LN

On the cover: The grand re-opening of Clayton Park Place
Condominiums will be hosted by Keith Manzer, Sue McLaughlin and
Katie McLaughlin of Laura McCarthy Real Estate on March 13 from
noon to 5 p.m. The boutique building sits at 8251-53 Parkside
Drive, directly across from Shaw Park, and the luxury suites
include designer appliances, wood floors, a fireplace and gas grill
on each balcony. For more information, call 725-5100 or visit
http://claytonparkplace.com">claytonparkplace.com.